|
Family Chrysopidae - Green Lacewings
Classification Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
Suborder Hemerobiiformia (Lacewings and Allies)
Family Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
Other Common Names Golden-eyed Lacewings (1) (also noted in Merriam-Webster)
Explanation of Names Chrysopidae Schneider 1851
from the Latin chrys-, after the ancient Greek χρυσός, ('gold') + ōps ('face') + -idae (taxonomic family suffix), seemingly referring to the typically golden eyes found in green lacewings
named after the type genus, Chrysopa Leach 1815, which is used as the root of many green lacewing genera Numbers 78 spp. in 16 genera* in our area (2)(3)(4); ca. 1,200 spp. in 75 genera and 3 subfamilies worldwide (5)
* Genera not yet in the guide: Pimachrysa Adams, 1957 (5 spp., AZ-CA), Plesiochrysa Adams, 1982 (1 sp., FL) Identification Key to most NA genera in (6)
Wings appear hairless to the naked eye, but bear short hairs along the edges and veins
Most species are green, but some are brown, especially overwintering adults of certain species:
Pinned specimens turn yellowish.
Larvae are 'alligator-like', with large jaws. Larvae of some spp. cover themselves with bits of litter/debris.
Habitat Common in grass and weeds and on tree/shrub foliage Food Some adults are predators, others take liquids such as honeydew, and some feed on pollen
Larvae prey on insects, especially aphids (sometimes called 'aphid lions'); will also consume larger insects, insect eggs, and pupae.
Life Cycle Eggs are characteristically stalked. The eggs and egg-laying shown here:
The larvae pupate in silken cocoons usually attached to the underside of leaves or stems.
Click on either image to see the life cycle of Chrysopa oculata
Remarks often give off an unpleasant odor when handled.
Some species used as biological controls
Video of larvae feeding on aphids.
Adults are crepuscular or nocturnal.
Print References Duelli P., Johnson J.B., Waldburger M., Henry C.S. (2014) A new look at adaptive body coloration and color change in “Common Green Lacewings” of the genus Chrysoperla (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Ann. Ent. Soc. Am. 107: 382-388 ( Full text)
Tauber C., Tauber M.J., Albuquerque G.S. (2014) Debris-carrying in larval Chrysopidae: Unraveling its evolutionary history. Ann. Ent. Soc. Am. 107: 295-314 ( Full text) Works Cited | 1. | Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America
Eric Eaton, Kenn Kaufman. 2006. Houghton Mifflin. | |
| 6. | The green lacewings of Florida (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). 1. Genera
Stange L.A. 2000. Fla. Dept. Agric. & Consumer Serv., Division of Plant Industry, Entomology Circular No. 400. | |
Contributed by Troy Bartlett on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm Additional contributions by cotinis, Hannah Nendick-Mason, Stephen_WV, Beatriz Moisset, Robin McLeod, Bbarnd, Chuck Entz, Aaron Schusteff, ceiseman, John Schneider, v belov, Abigail Parker, PaleoJonLast updated 25 June, 2021 - 9:17am |
|
|
|
